"Hello?"
"Hi! Am I talking to Keshia Harsen?"
"Yes, this is me."
"Hello, I am calling from West Side Cabs; we picked you this morning in Hills Bright. You appear to have left your wallet in the cab."
Keshia closed her eyes...she understood why Nathan reacted the way he did.
"Could you please provide me the information on how I can take possession of my wallet?"
Keshia turned to face Nathan right after she hung up. She had avoided his stare all the while she was on the phone.
"Hills Bright...Hills Bright, Keshia... How I wish it could mean something else."
"Then please do."
"There are no hotels and certainly not motels in Hills Bright, Keshia. Even if there were; it's not like you could ever afford it. In fact, I think we both only know one person who can afford living in this part of town...I'll ask only once and I want the truth. Were you with Graham last night?"
Keshia knew she couldn't lie and yet the truth would sound much more awful than it really was. She didn't want to lose Nathan but she had crossed a line that was never meant to be crossed.
"It's not so cut and dry..."
"WERE YOU OR WERE YOU NOT with Graham last night? I am losing patience."
Nathan had interrupted her. He was containing his rage.
"Yes. Nothing happened, we crossed path by pure coincidence and..."
"I don't want to hear it, Keshia. As a matter a fact, I think I'll be the one spending the night and the day elsewhere."
"No wait!"
"Wait for what? For when you decide to be honest with me? I don't see how I can believe even a word that's coming out of you mouth at the moment."
The phone rang. They both looked at it.
"Pick it up, please. It's probably Mandy, she's been worrying sick about you. Like I did, she tried your cell all night and morning."
Keshia reluctantly picked up the phone. It was Mandy indeed. She was as relieved as she was mad. She wouldn't stop saying how much she was worried sick knowing her friend, a beautiful young woman was out in the streets upset late at night and didn't contact anyone.
"I could almost picture you drugged or dead or any other crazy scenario. You could've called me; at least to tell me what happened. I was worried sick. I'm so happy you're okay. You'll have to fix this mess with Nathan as well..."
As Mandy was mentioned Nathan, Keshia realized he had been very quiet for a moment. She looked around. His jacket was not longer on the coat hanger, his car keys were gone and so where his shoes. She highly doubted he would be back anytime soon.
